As readers, we have a special day tomorrow – 24th January, as it is Library Shelfie Day, traditionally celebrated on thefourth Wednesday in January. It was founded in 2014 by the New York Public Library. We are given the unique opportunity to display and pose with our favorite books in our local library. As many of you know I do have my books in several libraries around Alberta, and will be making sure my novels are prominently displayed. Remember to use the hashtag #LibraryShelfie on your selfies with the bookshelves in libraries, but also bookstores, and schools.
Remember you can always put in a request any of my books at your own library, or local bookstore.
Settings in a novel are as important as the character’s. My dear readers get a mental image of where my character’s live and the landscape is a part of their story.
As many of you know I am from England so the beginning of this reincarnation romance novel starts there. However, the unforeseen forces take my characters to Italy, a place I feel my soul feels most at home. The feeling is much deeper than just deja vu for me. Anyway, I digress, I grew up and lived in small English villages and I used them as my starting point for this story. A visit many years ago to Rome led me to use an area outside the city as the site of the villa where the souls meet – merging past and present lives together.
I utilized my new home, Canada, in this narrative by having the separated male and female compounds placed on the Canadian prairies. With many road trips under my belt at this stage, I have enjoyed the varied landscapes of this enomrous country, from mountains to plains to desert. My protagonist, Evan yearns for more freedom under the matriarchal ruled world, but aheres to the laws, until circumstances take several unexpected twists.
Once again I returned to my homeland, England, for the setting of this steampunk novel. With such diverse history and ancient sites, it was the first choice for me. Large decidious forests, rolling hill countryside and stone walled fortresses were the perfect scenery for my main protagonist, Owena, to forge her battle against male misconceptions, and the cruel regime.
Hardest thing about being a writer: Finding time to write around full time work, and other commitments. Easiest thing about being a writer: Letting the words flow just like a movie in my head. I follow my characters lead, enjoying the unexpected twists, turns and surprising tangents.
Things you never want to run out of: Tea – I’m English it is an essential and vital part of everyday. (Black tea with milk – no other kinds. Not flavoured stuff.)
Things you wish you’d never bought: What I can only describe as ‘fake’ cheese – rubbery and bendy blocks in Canadian stores. (Sorry) It’s not cheese as I know it!
Favorite places you’ve been: Apart from home – England, I have a longing to go back to Rome. My soul connected to the place in such a profound way, I am certain I lived there in another life. Places you never want to go to again: This is a hard question as I enjoy visiting and exploring new places. However, I would not want to revisit losing my father – it was the hardest thing I have ever endured – my heart literally broke into a thousand pieces.
Favorite books (or genre): Goodness, as I constantly read multiple genres, there is always a new favorite. However, I always buy the latest Stephen King as he is my hero. And I reread Ferney by James Long on quite a regular basis, as it is the quintessential reincarnation story. Books you wouldn’t buy: Anything about politics.
People you’d like to invite to dinner (living): Stephen King, Viggo Mortensen, Diane Keaton, Dame Judi Dench, Michele Morrone and the Princess of Wales – Kate as we are both from Bucklebury. People you’d cancel dinner on: Any and all politicians, Elon Musk, Kayne West, and any Kardashian.
Things that make you happy: Time with my grown kids, my writing friends and writing group, and my little rescue dog, Sammie. Exploring on road trips, walking in nature and holidays in England. Things that drive you crazy: The fakeness of social media, many ’I am famous for being famous’ celebrities and self-serving politicians.
The coolest person you’ve ever met: The most ‘famous’ person, I have met is Princess Anne. Such a wonderfully down to earth woman. Also, on my list is Davy Jones (The Monkees), David Essex (UK pop singer), George Young, Baron Young of Cookham, Nigel Havers (actor), and Groot! Yep, the movie launch had characters in major cities, and he was in Edmonton. I ran down Whyte Avenue to cuddle him, much to my offspring’s embarrassment.
The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: George Harrison (The Beatles) – much older than my teenage memories, but still a thrill.
The nicest thing a reader said to you: I checked out every one of your books from the library.
The craziest thing a reader said to you: Several readers contacted me asking for a sequel to my fantasy series. I wrote it as a standalone – then found myself writing a sequel to make my readers happy. I am now in the midst of a prequel. Never say never!
Things you always put in your books: Strong, independent women and unexpected and unusual viewpoints. Things you never put in your books: Child or animal abuse. Violence for the sake of it.
Favorite smell: There are several – Brut aftershave that reminds me of my Father, Obsession perfume by Calvin Klein ( I found it in my early twenties and have not worn any other perfume since), cut grass, ocean and mountain air. Something that makes you hold your nose: Inner city smells. (a country girl at heart)
There is always discussions on the pros and cons of print versus eBook, but to be able to travel light, an e-reader makes vacation reading much easier. Some traditionalists, like myself, take our printed versions. However, I just finished reading an eBook collection of short stories, which was really enjoyable. Most of the stories were paranormal in theme so obviously they appealed to me!
Insomnia by Kelly Covic
What a wonderful collection of paranormal stories. The author takes you into a world of each character with expert ease. I particularly enjoyed Music Box, it has a great twist and Idle Thursday, because its subject matter is one of my interests. I recommend losing yourself in these narratives.
And in print:
The Imposter Bride by Nancy Richler
Inter relationships, secrets, female perspective, damaged souls and brilliant storytelling. A narrative over generations of wounded women finding their path
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 